So it’s summertime, and all the bugs are out. You try to enjoy a picnic or BBQ, but bugs interrupt what should be a delightful time. No, thank you!
You may be tempted to purchase mainstream citronella candles, but it’s important to remember they contain soybean oil and toxic paraffin wax. Again, no, thank you!
That doesn’t mean you have to suffer, nor should you be forced indoors to avoid the bugs. Instead, you could make your own citronella candles, and I will teach you how!
I use citronella, lemongrass, and lavender essential oils for this recipe because all three show promising insecticidal properties (1,2,3). Let’s repel bugs naturally and keep our outdoor time free from insect annoyances.
Citronella Candle
Ingredients & Materials:
- 1 wick and tab (I used these)
- 1 wooden candle wick holder (I used this)
- 2.5 oz. beeswax (I used this)
- 1 oz. refined coconut oil
- ¼ tbsp. lemongrass essential oil
- ¼ tbsp citronella essential oil
- ⅛ tbsp. lavender essential oil
- 4-ounce glass jar with lid
- 8-ounce mason jar
- Wooden utensil (for stirring)
- Kitchen scale
Directions:
Step 1: Place a wick tab in the center base of the 4-ounce glass jar before placing a wick in the wick clip.
Step 2: Set a wooden candle wick holder on top of the 4-ounce glass jar and feed the wick through the hole, ensuring it’s secure and will not move when pouring the wax. I recommend securing the wick to the wooden candle holder with tape or a bread tie.
Step 3: Using a kitchen scale, measure 2.5 ounces of beeswax and add the beeswax to your 8-ounce mason jar.
Step 4: Get a pot and fill it with about two inches of water before placing your mason jar into the water.
Step 5: Using the double boiler method, heat on medium to low heat. Stir often with a wooden utensil until completely melted.
Step 6: Remove the mason jar from the heat and add 1 ounce of refined coconut oil into the melted wax until well combined.
Step 7: While hot, add the essential oils and mix well.
Step 8: Carefully pour the scented wax into your 4-ounce glass jar.
Step 9: Let the citronella candle cool for 30-60 minutes before trimming the wick approximately ⅛-inch above the wax. Let cure for at least 72 hours before burning.
